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Ahok's camp to present 15 witnesses
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Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab gives his testimony during a blasphemy trial hearing on Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama at the Agriculture Ministry auditorium in Sotuh Jakarta on Feb. 2. (Media Indonesia/POOL/Ramdani/ via JP)
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akarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama is expected to present more than 15 witnesses and experts before the court to support his defense in his blasphemy case.
Ahok’s lawyer Humprey Djemat said Saturday between 15 and 20 witnesses and experts are going to testify for his client.
“The experts and witnesses will provide testimony in our favor, but we will make sure that they are objective in this case,” Humprey said, as quoted by kompas.com.
After months of hearing prosecution witnesses and experts testify against him, on Tuesday, Ahok will have his first chance to present his witnesses. Humprey said he would present three witnesses, including Gokar politician Bambang Waluyo Djojohadikoesoemo, who was present when Ahok delivered his controversial speech, and Ahok’s adoptive brother, Andi Analta Amier.
(Read also: Ahok’s lawyers decline to question witnesses)
The latest hearing saw testimony from expert witness Islam Defenders Front (FPI) founder Rizieq Shihab, who urged the panel of judges to detain the defendant. He warned that the governor could repeat his blasphemous speech or flee legal proceedings if the judges failed to detain him.
“I suggest the judges detain the suspect so he won’t repeat his conduct and insult clerics. [I] am also concerned that he might escape,” Rizieq told the judges. (idb/dmr)
